January/February 2014

In Memoriam
Christine Margaret Wied 1948-2013

Famous writer and poet Maya Angelou wrote,

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"

Christine Wied, an Environmental Specialist with the City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability Division from 2006 until her retirement in November 2013, definitely deserves placement at the top of the "she-ro" list.

Christine was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer six years ago. However, despite her diagnosis, she demonstrated tremendous courage and fortitude approaching her work with such professionalism and dedication, that her illness was actually only known to a few. READ MORE.

Ohana Pet Hospital Wins

2013 Environmental Excellence Award

On December 12, 2013, at the annual Chamber of Commerce Poinsettia Awards Ceremony and luncheon, Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann presented Ohana Pet Hospital with the 2013 Environmental Excellence Award. Since 2006, the City of Ventura's Environmental Sustainability Division in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce recognizes local Ventura businesses that excel in their sustainable business practices.
"We're extremely proud to receive this award," said Dr. Janis Shinkawa, Veterinarian and partner at Ohana Pet Hospital. "We feel that one of the most important things we do is greening how we dispose of a constant in our business - medical waste. Since there really aren't any green models to follow in our industry, we're hoping that Ohana will now become that model for our industry as well as for other small businesses. In 2014, we plan to start teaching our medical recycling methods to other veterinary and medical facilities." READ MORE.

Livin' Green: Easy Ways to be GREEN in 2014

It's the start of a new year. Make it a happy one for you and for the planet by following these simple green steps that will save you money and contribute to the longevity of the planet! READ MORE.

2014 Could Be the Year Ventura Goes Bag-Less

Proposed Ordinance Would Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags

On Monday, December 16, 2013, in keeping in line with 90 other California local governments that have passed a ban on single-use plastic bags, the Ventura City Council voted 6 to 1 to draft an ordinance, which will ban the distribution of plastic bags at all grocery, liquor, and convenience stores. Final approval could happen as soon as May or June of this year when City staff return to Council for a final vote. If approved, the ban would become effective in 2015. READ MORE.

New Retrofit Lids Encourage Recycling

The next time you're walking on the Promenade in Ventura, you may notice the attractive blue recycling lids on top of the City's existing trash barrels. Designed to encourage bottle and can recycling, these lids are a low cost way for the City to provide recycling in our public spaces. Trash still goes in the barrel, but recyclables can be placed in the top "cage" where they are easily accessed by recycling "scavengers". City of Ventura Environmental Specialist Courtney Lindberg came up with the idea to help divert recyclables from the landfill and worked with Eco Pop Designs to create the retrofit lid. These lids are also powder coated making them resistant to the harsh weather along the boardwalk.

STORMWATER: "Only Rain Down the Drain"

The City of Ventura, bounded by four miles of coastline, is committed to safe and healthy beaches, and protecting our natural environment. Stormwater is a term used to describe rain water that comes from rain events. Rain that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff, which, in Ventura flows over paved surfaces, heating up, collecting pollutants that are present on the surface of our roadways, driveways and parking lots and flow through the storm drain system, eventually making its way to our rivers or ocean.

Learn more about what the City of Ventura is doing to protect the quality of our local stormwater. READ MORE.

Programs, News & Events

STAY CONNECTED

Rain Barrel Discount

Rain Barrel Discount program for City of Ventura residents is available through Environmental Sustainability and Ventura Water. Working in cooperation with Smith Pipe and Supply at 3060 Sherwin Avenue in Ventura, the Channel/Bushman 60-gallon rain barrel (with a retail value of $85.00), will be available for $42.00 plus tax at their store with a Rain Barrel Discount Voucher. Two rain barrel discounts are available per residential address with the voucher. READ MORE.

$85.00 Rain Barrel available for $42.00 plus tax with Discount Voucher